Failure to Serve Food at Safe and Palatable Temperatures
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to serve food at a palatable and safe temperature, as evidenced by multiple resident interviews and direct observation of meal service. All 54 residents in the facility had oral diet orders and were potentially affected. Several residents reported dissatisfaction with the food, describing it as awful, cold, or horrible. During a lunch service observation, a test tray was plated, delivered, and its temperature measured, revealing that the creamed spinach, pork chop, and diced potatoes were all served at approximately 116 degrees Fahrenheit, which was confirmed by the Dietary Manager to be below the facility's minimum standard of 125 degrees Fahrenheit for hot food. The food was described as lukewarm upon tasting, and the Dietary Manager verified the substandard temperatures at the time of service.